Budget concerns remain for Development Authority

MARTINSBURG – Budget concerns continue to remain a prominent issue for members of the Berkeley County Development Authority as the fiscal year passes the halfway mark and the organization begins to determine its budget for the next fiscal year.

“We need to have a plan in place if we don’t have a sale between now and early summer of what we’re going to do, at least some options,” said Jim Welton, treasurer for the BCDA.

Welton said the development authority’s fiscal year budget is approximately $1 million, and currently the organization has $615,461.53 remaining. In addition to regular expenses, the development authority also has long-term loan debt that costs the organization about $500,000 a year.

The finance committee will meet before the next full board meeting to present ideas to boost cash flow without relying on land sales.

“It always seems that we’re six months out and having to be dependent on the sale of property (for revenue). (Steve Christian, executive director), to a degree, is like a car salesman; he might see 10 or 12 people before he’s able to sell one car,” said Tony Zelenka, board president.

Zelenka suggested broadening lease opportunities instead of being as dependent on land sales.

Despite the lack of sales made in 2013, Christian is confident that the new year will bring new opportunities and new prospects.

“I think we’re going to have a great year. I’m very excited about some of the projects that we’re working on and the projects that I’m hearing about but aren’t yet on our list,” he said.

“There’s a pent-up demand, and people are finally digging into their pocketbooks.”

Christian did announce the pending contract on Project Graffiti, with details of the company and location to be released at the closing completion. Project Graffiti will be housed on a 670,000-square-foot space and will bring 80 to 100 new jobs.

Although successfully closing Project Graffiti, the deal will not impact the organization’s revenue since the company will be occupying an existing building and not purchasing land.

“Hopefully, in the next couple of months, we’ll certainly have at least one new announcement, but maybe some others that are more significant in terms of investment and building here in Berkeley County,” Christian said.

Christian also announced that construction will begin on the new Sheetz near Martinsburg next week.

The Sheetz will be located at the intersection of Winchester Avenue and Business Park Drive in the Tabler Station Business Park. Sketch plans for the Sheetz feature a 6,489-square-foot convenience store with 14 gas pumps, a car wash and a drive-through for made-to-order food.

-Staff writer Samantha Cronk can be reached at 304-263-8931, ext. 132, or twitter.com/scronkJN.